The affectionate English Cocker Spaniel is a merry companion with an inquisitive nature. The energetic breed is at home in the field but also enjoys spending time curled up in a big armchair—as long as there are people nearby. They can be demanding of attention, but their lively, playful way is enough to win over anyone in the room. Biddable, yet sensitive, the English Cocker Spaniel learns quickly when gentle, positive training methods are practiced Favored as a sporting dog and made popular by celebrities, including George Clooney and Oprah Winfrey, the English Cocker Spaniel endures as a lovable companion. Other NamesThe English Cocker Spaniel is also known as Cocker Spaniel, Cocker, and ECS. Physical Description/Breed StandardCoat - The English Cocker Spaniel has a beautiful, silky, medium-length coat that may be flat or wavy. A variety of colors are permitted, including solid black, liver, or red as well as parti-colored or ticked. Male: 28-34 pounds Breed Standard and HistoryThe English Cocker Spaniel is a solidly-built sporting dog. Her eyes offer a soft and intelligent expression and are wide-set. When in the field, her docked tail is often in motion, a testament to her love of the hunt. A flat or wavy silky coat is medium in length, but shorter on the head and face. Her powerful gait suggests her adept skill in the field. – AKC Breed Standards Though Spaniels were a diverse bunch, Cockers and Springers were lumped into one category—land spaniels. Litters produced puppies of varying sizes and qualities, so duties such as springing or woodcock hunting were assigned based on the physical features presented by each puppy. Near the end of the 19th century, breeders began designating types of Spaniel. Due to confusion in the ring and lack of standard practices, the Spaniel Club was formed in 1885. This club created the breed standards for the Cocker Spaniel, among other types. While they were originally considered one and the same, the AKC formally recognized two separate breeds of cockers—the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel—in 1946. AKC Breed CategorySporting Group PersonalityGeneral TemperamentThe English Cocker Spaniel is a delightfully affectionate dog with a constantly-wagging tail. Their merry temperament and easy-going nature makes this people-oriented breed a fantastic choice for active individuals or families who enjoy spending lots of time with their dog. Without the attention the English Cocker craves, the breed may become destructive. Socialization is important to prevent shyness or extreme submissiveness in the breed. Cocker Rage Syndrome or Sudden Onset Aggression is a very rare condition that can occur in any dog breed, but has been most frequently documented in Cocker Spaniels and show-bred English Springer Spaniels. It is defined by a sudden act of extreme aggression towards someone nearby. A few minutes after the incident, the dog will behave as though nothing has happened and appear not to remember. There is not an abundance of research into the condition, but it is thought to be an epileptic-type disorder or a genetic disorder resulting in low serotonin in the brain. Family LifeAre English Cocker Spaniels Good with Kids? Are English Cockers Spaniels Good with Other Pets? ProtectiveWhile English Cocker Spaniels are protective of their home and may bark at noises and newcomers, they are quite gentle and are not a suitable choice as a guard dog. Energy LevelsThe high energy English Cocker Spaniel is an energetic breed that requires plenty of exercise and play each day to prevent destructive behaviors. Specific Concerns
RequirementsIndoor Though English Cocker Spaniels are small, they need plenty of exercise and activity outdoors each day. With enough exercise ECS make good companions in apartments or smaller homes. Early training to reduce barking will help keep the peace with neighbors. Outdoor While English Cockers enjoy adventures outside, they dislike being left alone. The breed is not suited to living outdoors. Exercise English Cocker Spaniels require plenty of exercise to prevent destructive behaviors due to boredom and weight gain. Long walks, agility, and outdoor play can burn energy and keep an ECS happy and healthy. Endurance English Cocker Spaniels have plenty of stamina as they were bred as sporting dogs for the field. Activity distance rating
Food English Cocker Spaniels require 1½ to 2½ cups of quality dry dog food each day, based on age and activity level. This should be split between two meals. While there is no evidence to suggest that resource guarding behaviors are more prominent in any specific breed, animal behaviorists note that English Cocker Spaniels commonly need training for food and toy guarding behaviors. Children should never be allowed to touch or remove food while any dog is eating. Alone Time Affectionate, people-oriented English Cocker Spaniels prefer to have their people nearby as often as possible. ECS are prone to separation anxiety and can become destructive if left alone for long periods of time. Even an hour or two may be too long for this breed to stay home alone. Crate training may help prevent injuries to a Cocker or damage to your belongings, but may not prevent separation anxiety. Health and GroomingLife Expectancy10 - 14 years GroomingThe silky coat of the English Cocker Spaniel requires plenty of brushing at home and trips to the groomers. The coat should be brushed daily, trimmed often, and bathed at least every other week if not weekly. The long, droopy ears of the English Cocker puts them at risk of ear infections. Regular cleaning and is important to prevent infections. Trimming nails regularly will help prevent painful splitting, cracking, or a broken nail. Common Health IssuesEnglish Cocker Spaniels may be prone to a number of health concerns, such as:
You can minimize serious health concerns in an English Cocker Spaniel by purchasing her from a reputable breeder who engages in responsible breeding practices, and through screening for common diseases and conditions. TrainabilityBasicsPositive reinforcement and gentle training methods are the best technique for training the eager-to-please English Cocker Spaniel. They're easily bored with repetition so keep training sessions short and varied. Sternness or harsh techniques will only cause a Cocker to withdraw and shut down. With the appropriate techniques, the intelligent Cocker learns basic commands easily. They may be slow to housebreak, but consistent training, plenty of praise for a job well done, and the use of a crate can make housetraining a success. Advanced TrainingAdvanced tricks and training are easy for the smart, happy-go-lucky English Cocker to learn. They're stars on the agility course and love the time spent learning new things with their people. Sporting Dog TrainingBred for hunting, English Cocker Spaniels are versatile sporting dogs. They excel at many aspects of the sporting life—tracking, flushing, retrieving, and more. They're compact and tough, and built to duck through brush or briars easily. Breed FAQsWhat's the difference between an English and American Cocker Spaniel? Where are English Cocker Spaniels from? |
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